The tech company has launched a rolling beta of its interactive previs tool, with new features including a 3D asset library, real-time compositing, Spark Atlas and direct USD file loading.
Lightcraft Technology has just announced it has launched a rolling beta for Spark Story, its rapid virtual shot system designed to help filmmakers begin workshopping their stories collaboratively from day one. The tool enables users to visualize projects in 3D immediately, building scenes with realistic digital environments, physically accurate motion, and real-world camera and lens models so early creative decisions remain viable through to days on set. Release is set for this Fall.
The system is being demonstrated July 21-23 at SIGGRAPH 2026 at Booth 512.
Spark Story is designed to help filmmakers cut costs, shape shots and begin visualizing original stories in 3D using a browser or mobile app. The system allows global teams to collaborate live with scripts, Gaussian splats, imported USD assets, camera motion and other tools, while serving as a central hub for production planning intended to keep teams aligned and address issues before they become costly later in production.
"A new day is dawning for filmmakers who want to break free from old formulas; Backrooms and Obsession are only the beginning," said Eliot Mack, CEO and co-founder of Lightcraft Technology. "With Spark Story, ambitious teams can rewrite the rules of Hollywood, making the projects they want to see, without the massive costs and infrastructure usually required for big ideas."
The beta will include a new 3D Asset and Environment Library with more than 25 Marble environments from World Labs and more than 300 3D assets selected to support common genre needs. Spark Story's iOS app also now offers one-click, real-time 24p/25p live-action compositing, allowing users working with AI or blue/green screen keyers to render full-quality "Superdailies" on a phone during capture.
Lightcraft is also introducing Spark Atlas, a cross-platform, high-speed video and metadata transfer app that syncs each captured take to the Spark database and attaches it to the correct 3D scene and script section. Spark Story now supports direct USD file loading from 3D applications including Blender, Unreal Engine and Maya, without requiring users to convert files to USDZ first.
Lightcraft Technology was co-founded by Emmy-winning inventor Eliot Mack and chairman Bill Warner, founder of Avid Technology. Spark is positioned as an end-to-end production system that unifies AI, 3D and traditional filmmaking to make the production process more intuitive, inclusive and accessible to filmmakers working with or without a studio.
Applications for the Spark Story beta are open, with access granted on a rolling basis until launch. Additional details on the release timeline have not been announced.
Source: Lightcraft Technology
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
